Chapter 1119
Reform
Chapter 1119 Reform (Part Two)
"The Crown Prince has been corrupted by that evil Taoist priest; he's going to ruin the family's legacy!"
With a bang, the scholar sitting opposite him slammed his hand on the table and angrily said, "Who are you calling a heretic? The Imperial Preceptor always gives advice and never acts out of personal gain. He is wholeheartedly devoted to the country. I think it's because your family's land is not exempt from taxation and you've lost your affiliation income that you're spreading rumors and attacking the Imperial Preceptor. Such a selfish and selfless person doesn't deserve your official title."
"You, you're talking nonsense!" The other party's face turned red and his neck thickened instantly: "This country is jointly governed by the gentry and His Majesty. The preferential treatment of the gentry is a national policy established by Emperor Taizu Gao. Do you really think that her actions benefit the people? It's just an excuse to amass wealth. I'm afraid that this money will disappear before it even enters the national treasury."
He exclaimed, “We are both scholars, and we can use history to understand the present. The common people are short-sighted. Can’t you see that?”
“I can see that you are unwilling to lose the benefits you have gained, and you are competing with the people and the country for profit!”
"you!"
The restaurant erupted in commotion as both sides took sides, with the group chanting "Imperial Preceptor" surprisingly outnumbering the other.
Pan Yun then looked up from the bowl, glanced downstairs, and said, "If the reforms in Henan succeed and the new policies are implemented, victory is assured."
Xue Shao also looked down and said, "Is this the public opinion you're talking about?"
Pan Yun's lips curled slightly as he said, "Isn't it good to unite knowledge and action? To establish a moral compass for heaven and earth, to secure a destiny for the people, to continue the lost learning of the sages, and to usher in an era of peace for all generations. For some, it may just be a slogan, but for most scholars, who wasn't sincere when they first began their studies?"
“But as we walk along, people’s hearts change easily,” Pan Yun said, putting down her chopsticks and looking down at the ground. “In this world, there are not many good people, and there are few bad people either. Most of them are people who follow the wind and the waves, only looking at whether the leader is good or bad.”
Therefore, she occupied the high ground of public opinion ten years in advance. She didn't even need to read the debates in the newspapers. She could just open her spiritual realm and listen to the constant echoes of the merits she received to know the public opinion she had won.
Moreover, as more and more people worship her longevity tablets, and as statues of Pan Gong are erected in various places, she can listen to the worries, hopes, and wishes of believers as long as she calms down.
If we were to discuss who best understands the wishes of the people in the world today, none other than Pan Yun would be the answer.
Xue Shao's gaze shifted, and although he didn't speak, he agreed with Pan Yun's words.
He looked down and saw that the four lines of Zhang Zai were regarded as the lifelong pursuit of scholars. He felt that he could not achieve it, but he also had the same aspiration.
He believed that many of these scholars, who were arguing so fiercely they were almost ready to roll up their sleeves, shared this sentiment, and even those who opposed Pan Yun might not be entirely without it.
However, our understanding of it is different.
They probably genuinely believe they are right, more right than the reformers.
Xue Shao's lips curled up. As one of the main forces behind the reform, although he refuted these people verbally, he would listen to them seriously.
The reforms implemented by princes and nobles in the Northern Song Dynasty caused great harm to the people. This harm was not a result of the failure of the reforms, but rather a consequence of the reform process itself.
Change means having a firm resolve to reform, but we must open our ears and eyes, and not just indulge in our own fantasies, assuming that everything in the world can proceed according to our own ideas.
Pan Yun also taught the crown prince in this way.
"Having traveled among the people for many years, you should know that human nature's selfishness and public interest are more unpredictable than the changing weather. Therefore, we must not work behind closed doors or make assumptions during the process of reform. We must see, listen, and be pragmatic!"
The Crown Prince solemnly agreed and took his companions to Henan.
Xue Shao was promoted and returned to the capital last year, where he became the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue. Chen Xun has been unwell recently, and he also opposes the issuance of a new paper currency—the Dragon Note.
Therefore, although he supported this reform, he was marginalized. Now that the emperor is giving Xue Shao an important position, Xue Shao will be the next Minister of Revenue if nothing unexpected happens.
Chen Xun seemed to have sensed something as well. He was filled with fear and secretly sought out Xu Youzhen to have his fortune told.
Xu Youzhen said that his luck was low and that he was being controlled by Xue Shao. If he did not fight back, he would surely be replaced by Xue Shao. Chen Xun was terrified and angry. Just then, Pan Yunfei, who had gone to Japan to inspect the silver mine, flew back and passed by his house. As if sensing something, he looked down and saw Xu Youzhen carrying two roast chickens and two jars of wine that Chen Xun had given him as he left.
She didn't hear what they were saying, but when her gaze swept over Chen Xun and Xu Youzhen's faces, she couldn't help but freeze in mid-air.
Although Chen Xun was stingy and always looked at her with suspicion, occasionally suspecting that "the sorcerer wants to seize power," he was undeniably a competent Minister of Revenue.
As the Minister of Revenue, the gift he gave to Xu Youzhen was two roast chickens and two jars of wine.
Pan Yun put away the Three Treasures Cauldron and placed it down.
Chen Xun turned his head and saw Pan Yun standing behind him. He was so frightened that his legs went weak and he almost fell to the ground.
When he finally realized what was happening, Chen Xun's face turned extremely sour: "You scared me to death! When did the Imperial Advisor arrive?"
Pan Yun: "Just now."
Pan Jun looked Chen Xun up and down, finally staring at his face and said, "What did Xu Youzhen say to you? You look like you're about to die, with dark clouds hanging over you. You actually believe what he said? Even His Majesty, who is so superstitious, doesn't think much of his abilities. Minister Chen, why do you always fall into his traps?"
Chen Xun muttered, "What do you know..."
Chen Xun felt that he had no conflict of interest with Xu Youzhen. Xu Youzhen was able to predict in advance that he could enter the cabinet, which showed that he was really capable. If he didn't trust him, should he go to Pan Yun?
Putting aside the relationship between Pan Yun and Xue Shao, even just talking about Pan Yun, he and Pan Yun were not without their own conflicts.
Pan Yun stared at his face for a while, then couldn't help but click her tongue and say, "Minister Chen, although I am the Imperial Preceptor, I also participate in politics. We have worked together for more than ten years. I advise you to find a skilled imperial physician to take a look at me."
Chen Xun was taken aback: "Imperial Physician?"
Pan Yun: "The Ming Dynasty is not facing a life-or-death crisis, so why risk your life?"
After saying that, Pan Yun turned and left.
Chen Xun was stunned for a moment, then realized what was happening and immediately had his family prepare the carriage. He went to find a familiar imperial physician himself.
Then he realized he was sick.
Seeing his pale face, the imperial physician friend quickly comforted him: "Fortunately, it was discovered early. With early treatment, there is still hope for a full recovery. You just need to relax and get more rest."
If this weren't his good friend, and if he knew his friend's character well, he would almost suspect that Pan Yun had conspired with him to deceive him.
Nothing is more important than life.
Besides, the Ming Dynasty is now full of talented people, and the court does not necessarily need him.
He just happened to fall ill at this time; was it truly a matter of timing and fate?
Chen Xun asked for leave and locked himself at home for three days. When he returned to court after three days, he had changed and formally asked the emperor for his resignation.
Zhu Qiyu, of course, could not agree to it.
This was a crucial time for reform, and Chen Xun only opposed some of the reform policies, not all of them.
At times like these, it's better to remain still than to act rashly; it's best to avoid replacing high-ranking officials if possible.
Otherwise, a single misstep could have far-reaching consequences, with countless people from all walks of life watching them closely.
(End of this chapter)